Freddy Ma (left) and Sean Song, co-founders of a new group aimed at stamping out exploitation of Chinese migrants.Credit:Craig Sillitoe

More than 500 people have already signed up to access legal support and a 24-hour Mandarin-speaking hotline.

Advertisement

The organisation provides advice to Chinese-Australians on everything from how to challenge a parking fine to help reporting workplace exploitation. Ambulance cover is also included in the $300 a year fee.

Co-founder Sean Song, a student pilot who moved to Australia in 2011, said Chinese migrants were vulnerable because they often had no knowledge of local laws or how to enforce their rights.

"They feel helpless," he said. "This is to help them have a platform, to tell us what their problem is and let us give them some advice. We want to be a troubleshooting service."

Fairfax Media recently revealed thousands of temporary foreign workers were being exploited across a range of industries, with most jobs on Mandarin-language websites advertising rates well below Australia's legal minimum wage.

Yarra councillor Stephen Jolly, who helped the group build connections with local business, said a cottage industry of dodgy migration agents, lawyers and real estate agents preyed on Chinese migrants.

"Chinese residents don't know their full rights as tenants, workers or investors," he said. "There is a general feeling in chunks of the community that they drive the local economy through trade [and] investment, providing often ripped-off labour in key sectors of economy, yet feel like second-class citizens."

Daniel Lee has been fighting to have his $2500 bond returned after moving out of Northcote rental property earlier this year.

The Chinese migrant said he reported a leak in the ceiling to his landlord immediately after moving into the property, but that it was never fixed.

Six months later, fearing the ceiling above his bed was about to collapse, Mr Lee gave notice he was moving out of the property. He was blamed for the roof leak and his bond was never refunded.

Mr Lee said he felt bullied by his landlord and that a different set of rules applied to him because he was Asian.

"They said it was our fault because we kept turning on the airconditioner that is outside on the roof," he said. "It was supposed to be a new townhouse. Half of the ceiling in my bedroom was completely wet."

The firm is on call to provide free legal advice on simple matters but hopes the partnership will lead to paying clients with more complex needs. Workplace and migration disputes are expected to top the list of complaints.

Ms Spicer said migrant communities were being "appallingly ripped off" in Australia, pointing to examples of foreign students paying up to $60,000 for help with failed visa applications or being denied legal wages and entitlements at work.

She said they were also at higher risk of falling foul to regulatory provisions."If they're the first person in their family to come out [to Australia] or if they don't have a great support group then they're extraordinarily vulnerable," Ms Spicer said.

"Unfortunately for new arrivals in Australia there's some very shonky operators. There are a lot of traps for the unwary. And small problems can become big problems if they are not dealt with quickly."